No to School Social Worker Elimination

Dear Board of Education:

By now you should have received memoranda in opposition to loosing Social Workers from both the New York State National Association of Social Workers and the New York State School Social Workers Association. These memoranda outline the unique and special functions of Social Workers within schools.

More than 30 years ago, even before the Columbine massacre occurred, before “sexting” and prior to the concept of “cyberbullying,” the critical need for Social Workers was identified to ensure the health and well being of Longwood students. At that time, more psychologists or more guidance counselors could have been hired but the reality was that Social Workers offered different services and only they were able to assist the most vulnerable of students, thus ensuring the well being of all Longwood students.

Thirty years children were able to travel in a car without a seatbelt. Would we do that today? Thirty years ago, our students needed Social Workers and likewise, 30 years later they need Social Workers more than ever. Our students and families are now experiencing greater financial stress, increased violence and challenges before unimagined. Let us not regress 30 years. Do not eliminate Social Workers today only to regret it tomorrow.

Sincerely,